"I am going out at the top"Sete Gibernau called a press conference on Wednesday morning in front of the gathered media to announce his immediate retirement from professional motorcycle racing.The 33 year old Spaniard has been a central figure in the MotoGP World Championship

for 11 seasons.

Reading out a statement, Gibernau explained the reasons for his departure: "I am going out at the top, accomplishing a small dream of mine: To be happy," announced the twice premier class runner-up, before looking back on his career.

"I dreamed of being World Champion, and I have enjoyed myself winning races, leading the championship, coming second twice….I have come further than I ever could have imagined."

Leaving Ducati after a single, injury plagued season, Gibernau made clear that, although he had received offers from Kawasaki, Sito Pons and Ilmor, he already had his mind set on retirement. "I would have been fooling myself. I have never ridden for money and I wasn't going to start doing that now."
DORNA / CAPSIS International